Behind the Screens: How the internet works and how to make it work for you

(Paperback)

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Getting your first phone is a big moment - this illustrated guide empowers young people aged 9-12 to navigate the online world with awareness, responsibility and confidence. The internet is one of the most life-changing inventions in history. But there are things happening behind the screens that are changing how we behave- influencing what we buy, what we're interested in and how long we stay online. As we start using the internet and AI to do everything, it's helpful to explore how the tech is using us a little too. Written by award-winning scientist Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal, host of the ABC's popular podcast Imagine This, and illustrated by comic artist Aska, Behind the Screens is the must-have guide to help young people be online in the best way possible. This book explores- - data collection and digital surveillance - the power of algorithms - a future with artificial intelligence - the pros and cons of gaming and social media - how to be happy and safe online. It answers questions like- - If YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are all free, how come their owners are some of the richest people on the planet - Why is it so hard to stop scrolling - How do I know who to trust on the internet - How can I avoid being tracked by tech companies

Author Bio

Dr Niraj Lal (Author) Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal is one of Australia's most loved science communicators - from Play School to prime-time and as host of ABC Kids' Imagine This podcast. He graduated from Cambridge University as a Gates Scholar with a PhD in Physics, and is a current ANU Visiting Fellow. His awards include the 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and the 2022 Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Piasecki Prize for Outstanding Writing on Social Change. Aska (Illustrator) Aska is a shortlisted graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a big fan of the little doovalacky above the 's' in her name (which you pronounce 'Ash-ka'). A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aska is passionate about visual literacy. She has published more than ten books and graphic novels. Her recent titles include the CBCA Notable and ALIA Graphic Shortlisted YA graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes (with Jessica Walton). When she's not creating children's books, Aska is travelling across Australia teaching drawing-as-a-language to anyone who'll listen.